Page 3 - RVO Spirit of Morrilton June 2016

RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • SPIRIT OF MORRILTON
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 3VV
Meet your neighbors
Stories by Sarah DeClerk
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Photos by Cody Graves
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
LARRY PORTER
Archeological assistant
How long have you worked with the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Morrilton Research Station?
I have worked for the Arkansas Archeological Survey since 1999. In 2007, we moved the research station from the Arkansas Tech University campus to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.
What do you do in the course of your work?
In the course of my work, I do a variety of things: field and lab work, assisting and advising landowners who have archaeological sites on their property on how best to manage them, and inter- acting with the general public on various outreach and education- al activities, collections and records management. Currently, we are working on replicating a Native American garden using plants that are known to have been used by native people in this region. What is your favorite part of your job?
It’s hard to say what my favorite part of my job is. I pretty much like all of it! If pressed, I’d probably have to say excavation.
Why did you become an archaeologist?
My career in archaeology grew out of a longtime interest in past cultures and history in general. As a child growing up in the country, I used to hunt for artifacts in the neighbor’s plowed fields.This resulted in me wanting to find out more about what these things were and who made them and when — the same questions archaeologists are still asking.
Why is your work important to the state of Arkansas?
Our work is important to the state of Arkansas in several ways.We aid and advise land owners and land managers — who have a mandate to consider the historic and archaeological re- sources of land — on preserving a dwindling resource, particu- larly state and federal properties within the state.
SARAH CROSWELL
Executive director
When did you become involved with Main Street Morrilton?
My family and I have volunteered with Main Street Morril- ton on projects such as Monsters on Main Street and Pickin’ in the Park over the last four years. I recently became the executive director of Main Street this April.
What is the goal of Main Street Morrilton?
Our mission here at Main Street Morrilton is threefold: We desire to promote downtown Morrilton as the hub of community life through various events and beautification proj- ects. We want to help our downtown businesses thrive and become vital contributors to our local economy.We encour- age historical awareness, preservation and renovation of our downtown structures.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My strengths as a mother of a large family are organization and planning. Morrilton residents cherish the downtown area, and I am quickly learning that they have wonderful ideas and plans for its future.
Why is it important for Morrilton to have a thriv- ing downtown?
Downtown Morrilton represents the heart of our city and encompasses all that our residents hold dear — our past tra- ditions, historical significance and connections to people and places no longer with us.
What are your hobbies?
I am an avid reader and enjoy spending time with my Kin- dle and a cup of coffee on the front porch whenever I can sneak away.
KYLE CHASSELLS
Summer theater intern
How long have you lived in Morrilton?
I have lived in Morrilton for about three years.
What are your responsibilities as summer theater intern at the Rialto Community Arts Center?
My responsibilities include planning and organizing the sum- mer Kids Kamp program, as well as picking, organizing and di- recting the summer production, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
I have always enjoyed the theater and the atmosphere that surrounds me there. I enjoy getting to work with a diverse amount of people and getting to do what I love.
What is Kids Kamp?
Kids Kamp is a summer theater camp in which the children of the community get to come have fun while learning more about theater. The children will learn the different aspects in the- ater, including costuming, makeup, light design, sound, stagecraft and being on stage.
How long have you been involved in theater?
I have been involved in theater since middle school. I was introduced by watching a high school production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Soon after that, I auditioned for my first show,FBI:FairyTale Unit,and I have been hooked ever since.
What do you like most about theater?
The thing I like most about theater is getting the chance to re-create myself in a new character and experience that char- acter’s events, feelings and emotions. Getting the oppor tunity to step into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes is an indescribable experience that you can’t get with anything else.